The study focused on the rockfall risk assessment along the rock cliff known as “Bastionata del Lago” (Lecco), which towers over the SS36 State Road and the infrastructures at the base of the slope, including the road and a cycle path.
Starting from a detailed topographic model and the identification of potentially unstable rock sectors, two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) probabilistic simulation of rockfalls were performed to simulate potential rockfall paths from the source areas identified in the previous studies.
The simulations were calibrated using back-analysis of past rockfall events and on-site field observations.
Three different software applications were utilized to conduct the trajectory simulations:
Based on the simulated trajectories, risk mitigation strategies were defined, including the installation of new barriers at critical points, the integration of protection works in sections currently lacking coverage, and maintenance of existing barriers. The study provided essential technical guidelines for the design of protective structures to safeguard the infrastructures located at the base of the slope.
